Naples Airport commission wants to continue research for commercial flights

In this June 2, 2010, a JetBlue airplane takes off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

AP Photo/ Seth Wenig, file

Naples Airport commissioners want to make sure the work they did to vet JetBlue's proposal doesn't go to waste.

So they've decided to continue surveying the public, exploring a limited number of weight waivers and estimating the cost of a terminal renovation as it relates to future commercial service.

"I personally regret this has happened," Commissioner Ernest Linneman said about JetBlue's decision to suspend interest in the airport. "It cut short a decision making procedure we all have set in place."

Linneman said airliners are risk-adverse and wary of offering service if they can't turn a profit. If it takes a larger aircraft with more seats to make money, the airport will likely face the issue of heavier planes wanting to land here again, he said.

Commissioner Bobby Sullivan, whose term ends next month, suggested that future boards further investigate facets of the JetBlue proposal to apply in the future before polling the public.

"I heard business community was excited (about JetBlue) and they didn't rally," Sullivan said. "Why don't we complete a financial model to expand the terminal? Finish the model and see what it looks like and know our thresholds."

Commissioner Linda Flewelling agreed the public should be polled scientifically once they're given all the facts.

Chair Cormac Giblin suggested a public workshop, poll or survey in the spring.

"It's something we owe the community to fully vet," he said.

City firefighters: Also at the meeting, commissioners discussed alternative options for its fire protection services.

The airport pays the city of Naples for its fire services.

Airport staff found cheaper private providers of the same service, but agreed for now to maintain its relationship with the city.

Both East Naples and North Naples fire districts expressed interest in possibly providing the service to the airport, staff said.